Be prepared - be very prepared

I was researching emergency preparedness this week, and came across some good information that I just did not have room for in my Hot Home Products column. The Weather Network has, for example, on its website a section called Under the Weather with advice on how to cope with weather-related  emergencies, as well as tips on dealing with lesser crises, such as bee stings, heat stroke and allergies.  Energizer Canada, which is currently running a contest with several vacation and prize packages, has a handy checklist for road or camping trips. Before you go, they suggest you:

Check your car’s tire pressure, oil and gas levels, and fill with windshield washer fluid (sounds like no-brainers, but lots of folks skip these little steps!)

Check the batteries in your cell phone (d'oh!)

Plan your route, but don't be too rigid -  allow  time to stop and explore a small town or area you don't know

Set up and clean out your tent beforehand  

Bring a couple of flashlights. Naturally, Energizer recommends their Energizer Weather Ready Area Light. It runs on four AA batteries, provides 100 hours of light  and sells for about $17 at Zellers, Wal-Mart and Home Hardware. I have to say I also like the three-LED headlight (shown above - about $16 at Zellers and Home Depot), which you can use while biking, riding or reading in bed. I bet it would also be great for letting kids run around after dusk without worrying that one of the little scamps would trip over a tree branch, break an ankle and send you off in search of the nearest Emerg Department. Don’t even think about it!